SEAL BEACH, Calif., Nov 14, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — The board of directors of Affliction Inc. announced today that it received and accepted the resignation of Todd Beard as an employee of the company. Mr. Beard is one of the original founders of the clothing company based in Seal Beach, California. The resignation coincides with a public apology for comments made by Mr. Beard and directed toward Randy Couture and his wife Kim Couture regarding their business relationship.

Mr. Beard also disclosed that he will be seeking treatment for anger management and alcohol abuse.

According to Mr. Beard, “I would like to apologize for my comments that may have offended Kim and Randy Couture and Mr. Spira. I had a long-standing relationship with the Coutures and I was deeply and emotionally hurt by some of their recent business decisions. I have only the best of intentions for the success of the Affliction and Xtreme Couture clothing brands and understand that there are personal issues I must address.”

According to the board of directors, “We are delighted Todd has decided to address these issues and wish Randy Couture well.”

The Board of directors of Affliction Inc. also wanted to clarify that Affliction Entertainment Group LLC. (the promotion company) is not controlled by Affliction Inc. Mr. Beard to its knowledge, is nether [sic] an officer, director, or a shareholder of Affliction Entertainment Group LLC. as stated in several periodicals.

“To its knowledge”? You’d think Affliction’s board of directors would be able to figure out for sure whether or not this guy works for a division of their company. But we’re nitpicking — Beard is gone, and bound for booze/rage rehab, and that’s all that matters. Raise a glass in his honor. And then punch a friend in the face.